For the real beardys out there, Bolt Thrower were a massive part of the Games Workshop universe in the late 80s and early 90s. They provided the soundtrack for much of the universe with their albums "Realm of Chaos", which used the 40K rule book cover art, and "Warmaster" being the most obvious links. Well sad news today as Bolt Thrower announce the death of their drummer Martin Kearns.Martin became the later sound of Bolt Thrower, equal to if not exceeding the work of earlier drummer Andy Whale who had pioneered the unrelenting beat that Bolt Thrower were, and are, so famous for.

"With the heaviest of hearts, and still numb from shock, we have to share the very sad news that on Monday 14th September Bolt Thrower lost our powerhouse drummer, Martin ‘Kiddie’ Kearns.After the first rehearsal for our upcoming tour of Australia, Kiddie suddenly felt unwell which continued throughout the night, and the next day he passed away peacefully in his sleep.He was a fantastic Dad, husband, son, friend, but to us he was always ‘Kiddie’, the same 17 year old Coventry kid whose drumming style and personality blew us away when he first walked into our rehearsal room 20+ years ago.Kiddie enriched our lives, and the Bolt Thrower sound. He leaves a massive hole in the lives of everyone who knew him and will be very sorely missed by many.Karl, Jo, Baz, Gav & the loyal BT crew"

Personally I consider myself one of Bolt Thrower's biggest fans, having first come across their IVth Crusade album in the early 90s and then unfortunately missing their only other Australian tour in 1993 due to illness - this was going to be their triumphant return - but with this tragedy the Australian tour has been cancelled.

As a way to give back, many Australian fans are trying to donate their ticket money to his family. In a Tweet from Karl Willets (above right), it seems that may very well be an option.

All that pales into insignificance next to the tragedy for his family, friends and the Bolt Thrower family

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In a time before 40k, there was a band of men and women who took part in gaming without the corporate sensibilities of today. Take a step back with us and also look upon the future through wizened eyes and curious ponderings of The Beardy Hammer!